General News
10 December, 2024
Snake safety urged as sightings increase
With the start of summer seeing temperatures continue to climb, local experts are calling for residents to remain vigilant to the constant presence of snakes.
While snake season can start as early as September in ideal conditions, sightings of the fanged reptiles become more prevalent during warmer weather.
Hodgsons Snakes Rescue and Removal owner Gianni Hodgson he already receives “around 10 calls a day” surrounding snake sightings or inquiries across the region.
“Over the last two years, we have had floods and roads being washed away in November and early December,” he said.
“[Snakes] have been hiding from it all, so the last two years have been unusually quiet. This year, it’s back to normal.
“Snakes can be anywhere, they are native to Australia, so it doesn’t matter where you are, a snake can also be there.
“Be vigilant, If you see one, simply remain calm, they mean you no ill will, they are no different to an echidna, or a kangaroo, they just want to live.”
According to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, more than 3000 Australians are bitten by snakes each year.
Mr Hodgson said many bites come from people trying to pick up or kill the slithery creature, urging locals to be watchful and unthreatening instead.
“Visibility is the number one thing that should be on people’s minds when it comes to snake safety,” he said.
“If you can see it, you are perfectly safe. If you can’t, there is always potential danger.
“It’s very important to watch the snake from a safe distance, if it moves out of vision, it may slip past you and leave entirely.
“Following this, give us a call [and] we will talk through the situation with you and work out the best way to get you a positive outcome.”
While they can be dangerous to humans, snakes pose a more serious threat to our furry friends.
According to the Gisborne Veterinary Clinic, there are approximately 60,000 cases of snakes biting dogs and cats each year in Australia.
As snakes move closer to more populated areas looking for water during warmer days, Maryborough Veterinary Practice vet Dr Liz Curnick said the peril to dogs and cats increase.
“The main risk of snake bites is death for animals, dogs in particular are more sensitive to the venom than cats,” she said.
“Initial symptoms of a bite for dogs is they initially collapse and sometimes are vomiting and have seizures, then they look like they have recovered.
“About half an hour later, the toxin causes muscle damage and eventually the dogs can’t breathe because their respiratory muscles become paralysed.
“If a cat gets bitten, they can show the initial symptoms as well, but 24 hours later they can become paralysed due to dehydration and muscle damage causing kidney damage.”
Dr Curnick said residents can implement precautions to make their home less inhabitable for snakes.
“There are a lot of things you can do, a big thing is removing any source of food for snakes, make sure you have really good rodent control,” she said.
“With gardens, just make certain that your yard is clean, there is no long grass and that all rubbish has been picked up — removing those areas can really improve the safety of your yard.
“If you have water sources in the garden, try to keep your pets away from them or just keep an eye out and if you notice a snake, get a snake catcher to come in to move it safely.
“If your pet has been bitten, ring the vet clinic straight away and get the animal to the clinic as soon as possible.”
If you spot a snake locally, contact Hodgsons Snakes Rescue and Removal on 0490 415 734.
For urgent pet assistance, contact Maryborough Veterinary Practice on 5461-4466.